Minorities
Minorities in all regions of the world continue to face serious threats, discrimination and racism, and are frequently excluded from taking part fully in the economic, political, social and cultural life available to the majorities in the countries or societies where they live. The fundamental pillar of human rights and minority legal protection are the principles of non-discrimination and equality which constitute the basis of all core human rights treaties.

UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues
The Independent Expert is mandated to promote the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities; to identify best practices and possibilities for technical cooperation at the request of Governments; and apply a gender perspective in his or her work. See the OHCHR page to view annual reports, country visits, statements and relevant international standards and thematic priorities for the UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues.

Minority Rights Group International
Minority Rights Group International is an international organization that raises awareness of minority rights issues based on research, publication, and by providing information to the public.

World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples
This online directory of minorities and indigenous peoples, available in database format, provides free information for the use of all those throughout the world with an interest in any aspect of minorities and indigenous peoples, their rights, and their historical, political or geographical context.

Dalit Discrimination Check
This is a tool developed specifically to help companies prevent discrimination and exploitation of Dalits in their Indian operations and suppliers. The tool is designed as a comprehensive checklist consisting of self-guided questions and indicators that highlight possible violations.

The term minority as used in the United Nations human rights system usually refers to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, pursuant to the United Nations Minorities Declaration. All States have one or more minority groups within their national territories, characterized by their own national, ethnic, linguistic or religious identity, which differs from that of the majority population.

Other Relevant Instruments

The core UN human rights treaties (ICCPR, ICESCR, ICERD, CRC, CAT, CEDAW, ICRMW, CRPD) provide important standards for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Two of these treaties contain minority-specific provisions: Article 27 of ICCPR is the most widely accepted legally binding provision on minorities and provides the basis and inspiration for the UN Declaration on Minorities. Article 30 of CRC provides a similar standard for minority children:

The work of treaty monitoring bodies including the Human Rights Committee (HRC), the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) also provide valuable sources of expertise.

UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues

The Independent Expert is mandated to promote the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities; to identify best practices and possibilities for technical cooperation at the request of Governments; and apply a gender perspective in his or her work.

See the relevant OHCHR page to view annual reports, country visits, statements and relevant international standards and thematic priorities for the UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues.

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